Volkswagen Jetta Fuel System, Gasoline Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 224 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 224 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Volkswagen Jetta across 24 model years. The 2009 model year has the most (31). The words owners use most often: “fuel pump” (33% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Fuel pump: mentioned in 74 of 224 complaints (33%)
  • High pressure: mentioned in 32 of 224 complaints (14%)
  • Glow plug: mentioned in 19 of 224 complaints (8%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical fuel system, gasoline repair on the Volkswagen Jetta at $2,400, and half of them between $1,500 and $10,000.

Based on 16 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2003–2013), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?

Based on 160 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles18 · 11%
10k–25k miles24 · 15%
25k–50k miles44 · 28%
50k–75k miles34 · 21%
75k–100k miles21 · 13%
100k–150k miles14 · 9%
150k+ miles5 · 3%

How serious are the reports?

Of 224 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 2 an injury.

Volkswagen Jetta fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year

Peak: 2009, with 31 complaints
1995: 819951997: 41998: 719981999: 112000: 1320002001: 152002: 1220022003: 62004: 1020042005: 52006: 520062007: 62008: 620082009: 31312010: 312010312011: 152012: 1020122013: 12014: 120142015: 22016: 720162017: 122018: 220182019: 4

n = 224 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearFuel System, Gasoline complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2019 Jetta41%85,000
2018 Jetta26%51,723
2017 Jetta128%52,700
2016 Jetta74%97,850
2015 Jetta21%80,000
2014 Jetta10%30,000
2013 Jetta10%100
2012 Jetta102%11,000
2011 Jetta152%13,742
2010 Jetta314%27,385
2009 Jetta313%52,000
2008 Jetta63%80,000
2007 Jetta63%55,000
2006 Jetta51%41,000
2005 Jetta52%23,635
2004 Jetta104%66,000
2003 Jetta61%45,000
2002 Jetta122%44,660
2001 Jetta152%77,800
2000 Jetta133%55,910
1999 Jetta113%129,217
1998 Jetta74%—
1997 Jetta47%85,001
1995 Jetta84%—

When owners reported it

Peak: 2011, with 49 complaints
1996: 519961998: 21999: 419992000: 32001: 820012002: 92003: 920032004: 62005: 820052006: 22007: 520072008: 122009: 620092010: 142011: 492011492012: 262013: 1620132014: 82015: 120152016: 22017: 120172018: 12020: 220202021: 62022: 220222023: 82024: 520242025: 4

n = 224 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (7)

Fuel system, gasolineFeb 14, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V110000 · 261,257 vehicles

Model years: 2019, 2020

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain front-wheel drive 2015-2020 Audi A3 Sedan, 2015-2019 Audi A3 Cabriolet, 2019-2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, 2018 Golf Sportwagen GP, 2018-2019 Golf Sportwagen A7, 2015-2017 Golf Sportwagen, 2015-2020 Golf GTI, and 2015-2020 Golf A7 vehicles. Due to a problem with a suction jet pump seal inside the fuel tank, fuel may flow into the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system and possibly leak out of the charcoal canister.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the suction pump, free of charge. Final owner notification letters for Audi owners were mailed on July 25, 2024. Final owner letters for VW owners were mailed on August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 or Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are VW: 20UF/Audi: 20YF. Vehicles that were previously recalled under 16V-647 will need to have the new remedy completed. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 16V-647.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railOct 21, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V648000 · 218,192 vehicles

Model years: 2016, 2017, 2018

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Jetta vehicles. The fuel rail bolts may become loose over time, allowing fuel to leak.

Risk: A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rail bolts and, as necessary, the fuel rail. The recall began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Gi.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railJun 6, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V403000 · 55 vehicles

Model years: 2016

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jetta vehicles manufactured October 31, 2015, to January 21, 2016, 2016 Passat vehicles, equipped with 1.8T engines manufactured November 13, 2015, to December 9, 2015, and 2016 Golf vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to November 11, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fuel rail may detach from the cylinder head and result in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cylinder heads, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 15F7.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection system:fuel railJan 23, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V028000 · 44,658 vehicles

Model years: 2014, 2015

Problem: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire.

Fix: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The recall began February 6, 2015. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BL. Note: This recall expands and supersedes recall 14V-809 (Volkswagen recall number 24Bi) and only affects vehicles not previously repaired under that campaign.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 10, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V621000 · 228,236 vehicles

Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Problem: Volkswagen is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 jetta, new beetle, new beetle convertible, model year 2009 jetta sportwagen and model year 2007-2009 rabbit vehicles equipped with 2.5l engines. The jetta, jetta sportwagen, and rabbit vehicles may have a small plastic tab located on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that may chafe against an underhood fuel supply line. The new beetle and the new beetle convertible vehicles may have a fastening clamp on a hydraulic hose of the power steering system that may be located in an improper position which could cause chafing against an underhood fuel supply line.

Risk: If chafing occurs, there is the potential for a fuel leak to develop. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the underhood fuel line. Additionally, depending on the vehicle model, dealers will either remove the plastic tab from the windshield washer fluid reservoir, or inspect the position of the fastening clamp and adjust the related fastening clamp into the correct position. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before january 31, 2011. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsJul 5, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V305000 · 39,583 vehicles

Model years: 2005

Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.5l gasoline engine, a fuel supply line clamp located in the engine compartment may not be positioned properly and could cause a fuel leak.

Risk: Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the position of the engine compartment fuel supply line clamp and, if necessary, replace the clamp. The recall began on july 11, 2005. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.

Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and capJan 25, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V026000 · 487,284 vehicles

Model years: 1997, 1998, 1999

Problem: On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

Risk: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began june 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and being refueled, fuel was pouring out onto the ground. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with fuel tank failure. The contact was informed…

Received Sep 24, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11689551

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was a strong gasoline odor inside the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a…

Received Jul 14, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11673325

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The ignition, the check engine, the ABS, and the camshaft warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to…

Received Apr 30, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11657757

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle, entering the vehicle through the A/C vents. The check engine warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact was…

Received Mar 24, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11650308

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed fuel leaking from under the hood of the vehicle. The check engine, and electronic power control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it…

Received Sep 24, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11616215
Volkswagen Jetta
A 2025 Volkswagen Jetta SEL photographed in Flushing, Queens , New York, USA. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Volkswagen Jettas have fuel system, gasoline problems?

No. NHTSA has 224 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the Volkswagen Jetta. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Volkswagen Jetta fuel system, gasoline?

Yes: 7 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix fuel system, gasoline problems on the Volkswagen Jetta?

Owners report a typical cost of $2,400 (half paid between $1,500 and $10,000), from 16 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Volkswagen Jetta?

The most frequent phrase is “fuel pump”, in 74 of 224 complaints, followed by “high pressure” (32).

Other Volkswagen Jetta problems

See all Volkswagen Jetta problems.